next step up from hand files and sand paper???

O

ouporblowup

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Feb 6, 2011
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whats the next equipment after files and sand paper

but before a belt sander?

id like to make my knives alot faster but im still a broke beginner

ooo
 
Drill press, and an inexpensive grinder like a Craftsman 2x42. That will speed things up a bit.
 
i would throw out there that an angle grinder comes before a drill press or belt grinder. if you have files and sandpaper you can finish the blades, but an angle grinder gets through the "meat" of the process faster. and you can get a cheap one for $30 or a nice one for $60. I still use mine for rough shaping. it is a really good and useful tool.
just my.02
~Chris
 
Angle grinder for faster rough profiling, still finishing with files.

craftsman 2x42 is popular.
 
Chris is right about the angle grinder, If you are on a budget, then one of those will cut some time off.
 
I use an angle grinder as the count said, for rough profile.. then to the files. I would say get a drill press too. I use a cheap Harbor Freight and works fine. Have some cutting oil or alike around too. After those two.. I'd say either a metal bandsaw or belt grinder.
 
I'd say go ahead and jump on the 2x42. If you already have a angle grinder, then use it. But even spending $35 on a new one from HF just prolongs you advancing to a belt sander. $35 is 1/4 what you can buy a 2x42 for (currently $136 at my Sears store). With some 50 or 60 grit belts, you can rough out a profile pretty quick and then you can get start on your flats.

Also, one of the biggest time savers in my little shop is my drill press. Not only does it make drilling holes in tangs faster, I also use it to sand (drum sander attachment) and to buff.

Of course, I would only suggest this if you're serious about staying with this knifemaking hobby! Otherwise get a cheapo angle grinder and let the sparks fly.
 
I found on my razor that an angle grinder did let me "get through the meat" faster, then cleaned up with files. However, now I have moved up to the Craftsman 2x42. I did the ceramic platen upgrade and the manual tracking upgrade and cut the table to get the belts out easier. It is A LOT less frustrating and a heck of a lot more productive than files. I'm glad I did a blade with files, but I love my little grinder. Maybe in a year I will go up to a GIB or similar, but for the money, my 2x42 seems to be going a long way.

Also, I will second the drill press. I use the crap out of mine. Cheap benchtop one from HF, but it works well. Get good bits though. I'm finding that out now. Cheap bits are a false economy.
 
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